Published by The Guardian (11 August 2009)

Photo: Girish Gupta

• Huntington’s disease is a hereditary
genetic disorder that aff ects the
central nervous system. Only 3% of
cases occur with no family history
of the disease.


• Symptoms can begin with uncontrollable
muscular movements, lack
of concentration, short-term memory
lapses and mood swings, but psychological
problems often cause most
diffi culties for patient and loved ones.


• There is no cure, but diet, speech
therapy and medication can help.